STS Innovation in Science and Technology Librarianship Award

The purpose of the award is to recognize creative, innovative approaches to solving problems or improving products and services in science and technology librarianship. The award recognizes and promotes leadership and initiative that demonstrate impact on the academic and research community.

Any library-related project is eligible for the award. Projects from the award sponsors are ineligible for consideration. Projects of the STS Chair / Vice-Chair while those persons are in office are ineligible from consideration.

Award

TBD. The 2015 award is currently on hold, pending sponsorship approval.
Prior to the 2014 award season, the award consisted of a $3,000 donation by IEEE. The award is administered by the ACRL Science & Technology Section and is presented at the ALA Annual Conference each year.

Criteria

Projects nominated for the award should inspire information professionals to overcome obstacles in the profession, and should demonstrate creativity, quality and innovation within the context of national trends in science and technology librarianship.
Projects should meet at least three of the following criteria:

projects may demonstrate strong librarian involvement

projects may be unique and cutting-edge

projects may demonstrate impact on a library’s customer groups and / or the profession

projects may serve as a model to influence other activities

projects may demonstrate effectiveness in overcoming barriers, or skill and persistence in causing change.

Preference may be given to recent projects; however, historical projects that have demonstrated impact are also eligible for consideration. Preference may be given to library projects in partnership with academic college or research libraries; however, any projects that demonstrate impact on the science and technology academic community are also eligible for consideration. Nominees must agree to allow ACRL to publicize their project, if selected as the winning project..

Submissions

Nominations must include a description of the innovative project, and sufficient supporting documentation for the committee to understand the purpose, content, impact, and innovative aspects of the program.
Note: Electronic submissions are required.

If possible, please submit a high resolution photo of the nominee (at least 300 dpi). The photo will be used to make the official winner announcement immediately after the ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Submission Deadline:December 6, 2013

Information and Assistance

Send nominations or questions to the award Chair, Nancy J. Butkovich, Pennsylvania State University, E-mail: njb2@psu.edu. You may also contact Chase Ollis, collis@ala.org.